Soothing Storm Stress: CBD for Dogs With Thunder Anxiety

Written by: Hunter Podell, Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder
Published: March 15, 2024; Last updated: April 6, 2024

When thunder shakes the skies and your dog trembles, their comfort is your priority. Could CBD help your dog during these frightening storms? This article covers the use of CBD for dogs’ thunder anxiety, examining its safety, efficacy, and correct application to ease your pet’s stress without unnecessary fluff.

Key Takeaways

• Thunder anxiety in dogs can be attributed to genetic predispositions and the physical discomfort caused by barometric pressure changes before storms, leading to symptoms ranging from mild unease to severe panic.

• CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system in dogs, which is involved in managing physiological responses to stress and pain, potentially providing anti-anxiety benefits without psychoactive effects when applied correctly and in legal concentrations.

• Administering CBD oil before thunderstorms, in the recommended dosage of 4mg per kg of dog’s weight, can help alleviate dogs’ thunder anxiety and should be coupled with additional calming strategies like creating a safe space or desensitization training. The recommended dosage is not set in stone, and it is best to consult with your veterinarian.

Understanding Thunder Anxiety in Dogs

Several factors, such as genetics and barometric pressure changes, contribute to thunder anxiety in dogs, making it a complex issue. Certain dog breeds, such as border collies and Australian shepherds, may be genetically predisposed to develop noise aversions, including fear of thunder. But it’s not just genetics; even the weather plays a part. Barometric pressure changes, incredibly swift drops before a storm, can lead to physical discomfort in dogs, such as a sensation of fullness or popping in their ears, contributing further to their anxiety.

During the thunderstorm season, numerous dog owners have reported a noticeable increase in pets’ anxiety levels. Dogs scared of thunder may exhibit symptoms ranging from mild unease to full-blown panic attacks. But how exactly can we recognize these signs of anxiety in our dogs?

Causes of Thunder Anxiety

Noise phobias like thunder anxiety, noise anxiety, and thunderstorm phobia can be a predisposition tied to a dog’s genetic background. However, it’s not just about genetics. The swift drop in barometric pressure often preceding lousy weather can cause physical discomfort in dogs, potentially contributing to their fear of thunderstorms. ¹

It’s also important to note that a dog’s fear and anxiety towards storms can escalate over time as they are repeatedly exposed to thunderstorms. Dogs with pain-related noise sensitivity may generalize their fear of loud noises to other situations, leading to heightened anxiety and avoidance behaviors. Despite being a vicious cycle, it can be managed, and CBD oil could be the beneficial tool required.

Symptoms of Thunder Anxiety

The initial step is to recognize the signs to help dogs with dog anxiety during thunderstorms. These signs can include common anxiety symptoms such as dog-scared behavior:

• panting

• pacing

• whining

• hiding

In more severe cases, dogs may even exhibit destructive behavior.

Other specific indicators of thunder anxiety in dogs can be observed as:

• Ears back

• Tails down

• Eyes wide

• Lip-licking

• Yawning

By understanding these symptoms, many dog owners, as well as other pet owners, can better respond to their dogs’ needs during thunderstorms and take steps to alleviate their pet’s anxiety, including separation anxiety. As a pet owner, being aware of these signs is crucial for your dog’s well-being.

The Science Behind CBD Oil for Dogs

Shifting our attention to the possible remedy, we’ll explore the science underpinning CBD oil for dogs. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is present in dogs and is crucial in maintaining homeostasis for the nervous and immune systems. This system consists of endogenous ligands and receptors that strengthen the body’s balance. Cannabinoids like CBD interact with these endocannabinoid receptors, helping support this balance and keep our dogs in a normal, healthy state. ²

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound derived from cannabis and hemp. It’s usually derived from hemp, which has lower THC levels, the psychoactive component that gives the ‘high’ feeling often associated with cannabis. But what exactly is CBD oil, and how does it affect our dogs?

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil for dogs is derived from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. It contains phytocannabinoids that interact with the canine ECS without causing psychoactive effects. Dog CBD and THC are both found in cannabis, but they differ significantly in their impact. CBD does not produce the psychoactive effects that THC does, making it safe and beneficial for dogs.

Legal CBD products for dogs should adhere to standards that ensure they contain less than 0.3% THC. This threshold is essential as it avoids psychoactive effects and complies with legal requirements. But how does CBD oil affect our dogs, and how can it help with thunder anxiety?

How Does CBD Affect Dogs?

Dogs produce endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors, managing the nervous system’s response to stimuli such as pain and stress. CBD influences this system by interacting with the receptors, helping maintain physiological balance and modulate functions like inflammation and anxiety.

It is believed that CBD adjusts blood flow in the brain, leading to decreased anxiety and pain relief for dogs. Additionally, CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system reduces stress and promotes dog relaxation. So, CBD oil could be a natural solution for thunder anxiety in our canine friends. ³

CBD Oil as a Natural Solution for Thunder Anxiety

For managing thunderstorm-related anxiety in dogs, CBD oil serves as a natural alternative. It works by promoting relaxation and alleviating stress. CBD oil can help calm a nervous dog during thunderstorms, easing their fear of thunderstorms.

Given the anti-anxiety impacts of CBD on dogs, it could be potentially beneficial for treating thunderstorm anxiety. But how exactly does CBD oil promote relaxation, and what are the legal concerns surrounding its use?

Calming Effects of CBD Oil

By interacting with dogs’ central and peripheral nervous systems, CBD oil offers several benefits, which makes us wonder can CBD oil help in various ways. These benefits include:

• Fostering relaxation

• Helping modulate mood

• Alleviating stress

• It contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, like omega-3s, essential in regulating the ECS tone, highlighting the potential benefits of dietary management with CBD use.

Used for its various benefits, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help maintain canine health. Some of the benefits of CBD for dogs include:

• Anti-inflammatory properties

• Cardiac benefits

• Anti-nausea effects

• Appetite stimulation

• Potential anti-anxiety impact

To maximize the benefits, it is recommended to use full-spectrum hemp oils, which contain CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids.

CBD oil can start calming dogs with anxiety within 30-60 minutes of administration, guiding proper use timing during stressful events like thunderstorms. But is it safe for our dogs?

Safety and Legal Concerns

As long as it has no more than 0.3% THC, hemp-derived CBD oil is legal across all 50 states of the USA. However, it’s not just about the THC content. High-quality CBD oil should be free of pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals, which can sometimes be found in cheaper products.

Lab reports for CBD oil should confirm no microbial contaminants, heavy metals, or pesticides, as hemp can absorb these substances from the environment. Manufacturers must provide a certificate of analysis showing the amount of CBD in the product, ensuring there is minimal to no THC present. Safety first, after all.

Now, let’s talk about how to use CBD oil for dogs during thunderstorms.

How to Use CBD Oil for Dogs during Thunderstorms

To ensure full efficacy, dogs should be administered CBD oil before a thunderstorm begins. CBD takes approximately one and a half hours to work to its full potential in dogs, making pre-storm administration crucial.

CBD oil should be given sublingually to dogs for effective absorption, ensuring the dose is quickly and efficiently absorbed into the system. The effects of CBD oil in dogs last slightly over 4 hours, after which the dog’s behavior should be observed to decide if more anxiety management is needed.

But when should we give our dogs CBD oil, and how much oil should we use?

When to Give CBD Oil

At the first signs of anxiety or before the start of a thunderstorm, dogs should be administered CBD oil. CBD oil works fast and can provide noticeable results the first time used on dogs. The anxiety-controlling effects of CBD oil can last for just over 4 hours.

These timelines guide us on when to administer CBD oil. It’s crucial to ensure that the calming effects peak during the storm. Now that we know when to give CBD oil, how much should we give?

Dosage Guidelines

When given to dogs sublingually, the general dosage recommendation for CBD oil is 4mg per kg of the dog’s weight. Liquid CBD oil is the preferred form to enable proper dosing adjustments, starting with only a few drops and increasing the dose gradually as necessary.

When administering CBD to your dog, it is recommended to:

1. Begin with a low-dose

2. Increase the dose gradually to find the adequate amount for your dog

3. Follow brand-specific dosing recommendations, as there is no universally standard dose for CBD oil in dogs.

Consult a veterinarian before using CBD supplements for personalized dosage recommendations tailored to an individual dog’s health, size, and specific needs.

Additional Tips for Calming Dogs during Thunderstorms

Despite CBD oil being a valuable tool for managing thunderstorm anxiety in dogs, other strategies can also help ease your pet. Owners should remain calm and act naturally during thunderstorms as dogs can sense their anxiety, potentially heightening their fear. Playing calming music or using white noise can help to mask the sound of thunder, providing a sense of relief for the dog.

Engaging in play or other distracting activities can help take the dog’s focus off the storm, aiding in anxiety reduction. Some strategies to try include:

• Using a Thundershirt, which applies soothing pressure and may calm dogs in a similar way to swaddling an infant

• Finding a grounded area where the dog feels safe, creating an environment calm for them

• Misting the dog’s fur with water to create a cooling effect

• Practicing noise diversion tactics, such as playing calming music or using white noise machines

These strategies can help alleviate your dog’s anxiety during a storm.

But how can we make our homes more comforting for our furry friends during thunderstorms?

Creating a Safe Space

Designate a safe space for dogs during thunderstorms, such as a crate or a room, and include cozy comforts like their favorite beds, blankets, pillows, and a t-shirt that smells like their owner. Create a calm environment within this space by closing blinds or curtains to reduce visual stressors and playing soft music or using white noise to mask thunder sounds.

If possible, the dog should not be left alone during thunderstorms; the presence of the owner or a trusted person can provide additional comfort and reassurance. These steps can help create a secure environment, significantly reducing your pet’s anxiety during thunderstorms.

Desensitization and Counterconditioning

Desensitization involves gradually increasing a dog’s exposure to thunder sounds at a volume that does not cause distress, reinforcing calm behavior at each stage. The training should be tailored to the dog’s needs, ensuring they are clear before starting a new session and ending each session with the dog relaxed.

Counterconditioning accompanies desensitization by combining the gradual exposure to thunder with the dog’s favorite treats or activities to build a positive association with the noise. Products like the Thundershirt or Storm Defender cape may be used alongside desensitization training to provide additional support for anxiety reduction. Beginning desensitization and counterconditioning at a time of year when real thunderstorms are unlikely allows for controlled training and a lower-stress environment for the dog.

Now that we have explored how to use CBD oil and additional calming strategies, let’s discuss choosing the right CBD product for your dog.

Choosing the Right CBD Product for Your Dog

Selecting the appropriate CBD product for your dog goes beyond merely opting for your first choice. Ensure the CBD product explicitly states it contains CBD, not just ‘hemp,’ and adheres to legal compliance by having less than 0.3% THC. Third-party lab reports should confirm the quality and safety of the CBD product, showing less than 0.3% THC, the exact amount of CBD, and be dated appropriately and batch-coded.

Reputable CBD products for dogs will be FDA-compliant, avoid unapproved therapeutic claims, and feature explicit usage instructions with a seal of approval from bodies like the NASC. It’s best to buy CBD products from independent pet stores with informed staff or directly from manufacturers with good support services, especially for new users.

But what types of CBD products are available, and how can you ensure their quality and purity?

Types of CBD Products

Available in various forms, CBD products for dogs cater to different needs and preferences. Some common forms include:

• Oils

• Chews

• Balms

• Treats

• Capsules

• Topical creams

CBD chews for dogs are formulated to support health in various ways, including easing discomfort and promoting calmness. They are favored for their ease of use.

CBD hemp oil capsules provide an alternative to oils and chews and can be a convenient option as they can be administered directly or mixed into food. Liposome hemp oils represent an innovative CBD product designed to be consumed during or after meals for a distinctive absorption process. CBD oil or tincture form is often recommended for dogs because it allows for precise dosage adjustments to meet individual needs.

Quality and Purity

CBD for dogs ought to be:

• Derived from industrial hemp plants, recognized for their high CBD and low THC concentrations

• Organic and devoid of pesticides, fungicides, or solvents

• Made with human-grade ingredients

• Sourced from farms practicing regenerative agriculture

These factors ensure the high quality and purity of CBD products for dogs.

The Supercritical CO2 Extraction method is preferred for producing CBD hemp oil for dogs, as it avoids the introduction of toxic solvents, ensuring a pure extract. Acquiring CBD oil that comes with a certificate of analysis confirms the correct amount of CBD, the absence of THC, and that it’s free of harmful additives is essential.

Due to the hemp plant’s ability to absorb heavy metals from the soil and its susceptibility to fungal growth resulting in mycotoxins, it is essential to ensure CBD products are free from these contaminants.

Summary

In conclusion, thunder anxiety is a common issue in dogs that can cause distress for both our pets and us. However, we can help our furry friends navigate the storm with the right tools and knowledge. CBD oil, with its calming effects and interaction with the canine endocannabinoid system, offers a natural solution for managing thunderstorm-related anxiety in dogs. With the right product, dosage, timing, additional calming strategies, and a safe space, we can help our dogs weather the storm with less fear and anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a storm should I give my dog CBD?

Give your dog CBD 30-45 minutes before a storm, and consider introducing it before their first storm for increased effectiveness. Consider giving a higher dose for high-stress situations such as storms.

Does CBD oil calm dogs?

CBD oil can help calm dogs, reducing behaviors such as panting, pacing, and whining. Research suggests it may decrease stress or anxiety-related behaviors, but more studies are needed to understand its effectiveness fully.

How much CBD will calm my dog?

You should give your dog 1-5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. It’s essential to read the label of the CBD product to determine the right amount.

What causes thunder anxiety in dogs?

Thunder anxiety in dogs can be caused by a genetic predisposition, physical discomfort due to barometric pressure changes, and increased sensitivity due to past thunderstorm experiences. Understanding these factors is essential to help your dog cope with thunder anxiety.

How can I ensure the quality and purity of the CBD product I choose for my dog?

To ensure the quality and purity of the CBD product for your dog, look for products sourced from high-quality hemp, using safe extraction methods, and accompanied by a certificate of analysis confirming its purity and legal compliance.

References

Morris, E. M., Kitts-Morgan, S. E., Spangler, D. M., McLeod, K. R., Costa, J. H. C., & Harmon, D. L. (2020). The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test. Frontiers in veterinary science, 7, 569565. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.569565

Rapin, L., Gamaoun, R., El Hage, C., Arboleda, M. F., & Prosk, E. (2021). Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w

Hunt, A. B. G., Flint, H. E., Logan, D. W., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1112604. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604

Written by Hunter Podell - Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder

Hunter has 8+ years of experience as a content writer and digital marketer. Earning his chops marketing in the healthcare space for over 5 years, Hunter is extremely familiar with the rules and regulations required to deliver high quality content that answers the user's needs while adhering to strict guidelines.